Author Karen Kelly Boyce says Powers is a “Master Storyteller,” and “When you read the work of a Master it causes a spiritual reaction that keeps you wanting more. When I first received A Hero for the People by Arthur Powers, I thought I would just read it fast. Short Stories are like that, something you can read quickly with each story being like a chapter. However, this collection of stories was different. I couldn’t just rush through them. I couldn’t go from one story to another. I had to pause after each story while my very soul took in the pulse, feel, and profound knowledge that each tale imparted.”

Author Sarah Reinhard says,“…it was so well-written that, as fiction, it seemed real. As in, “pinch me, I’m riding shotgun across Brazil” real…each story in this is crafted and fine-tuned. They leave you satisfied and yet wanting more.”

“I have never been to Brazil, but Arthur Powers’ words bring it fully to life for me. There are those of us who write, and then there are masters of prose, artists who paint with words. This book flows with beautifully constructed descriptions of the people and places of Brazil. I felt Arthur’s indignation at the inequities in Brazil and how the rich have taken advantage of the poor, displacing them from their lands and destroying families. These are well written and easy to read stories, but they will fill you with a great indignation against the greedy rich who grind the faces of the poor,” writes author E.A. O’Hara

1. Working Mother – Short FictionFQP will be publishing a short story by Erin McCole Cupp, entitled “Working Mother” this December. Here is the final cover photo for the e-book!

2. Author Facebook Page
Please consider liking my Facebook page (which you can do by clicking on the link just below and to the right) or going directly to my Facebook page. Right now, I’m running a free promotion there. Comment on my Facebook page (at the free promo post) and let me know which of my five books you’d like a copy of. If you win, you will win a free print copy. (There’s only one comment at present so your chances of winning are pretty good!)

3. A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
FQP’s book, A World Such as Heaven Intended, by Amanda Lauer, is set to be released on Kindle October 15th! (Print version will be available the end of October).

4. A Hero for the People by Arthur Powers (sale in October)
Check out Arthur Powers’ anthology, A Hero for the People: Stories of the Brazilian Backlands, a collection of beautifully-written short stories (and winner of the 2014 CALA award). It will be on sale for .99 the entire month of October. Here is the link.

5. A World Such as Heaven Intended
Kindle edition will be available for pre-orders VERY SOON!! Check out these two wonderful reviews we’ve received for this book so far:“Amanda Lauer brings history to life in this fast-paced, emotionally charged, splendid tale. Extremely enjoyable.”
May McGoldrick, author

“The South of 1864 springs to life in A World Such as Heaven Intended. Rich in details of language, setting and social mores, Lauer takes readers on the journey of her protagonist, Amara McKirnan, a strong woman ahead of her time who wrestles with her blended family and the horrors of the Civil War to find the peace and happiness she is convinced awaits her.”
Marni Graff, author, The Nora Tierney Mysteries

1. Stealing Jenny – FREE on Kindle
My third novel, Stealing Jenny, is free today (September 12) through Monday (September 15). It currently has over 350 reviews on Amazon and over 800 ratings on Goodreads! For your free download, click here (and if you download the book and enjoy it, I always appreciate when a reader takes time to post a review!)

2. Back Deck Blog
I was recently featured on Amy Bennett’s Back Deck Blog. Check out the post here. Thank you, Amy!

After three heartbreaking miscarriages, Tom and Jenny Callahan are happily anticipating the birth of their sixth child. A neighbor, however, is secretly hatching a sinister plot which will find Jenny and her unborn baby fighting for their lives. Or…the one sentence synopsis: Mentally unstable woman kidnaps pregnant mom of five.

Reviews:“Stealing Jenny is a gripping novel filled with engaging characters, a compelling mystery and a message which underscores the precious dignity of life. I literally couldn’t put it down and give Stealing Jenny my highest recommendation.” Lisa M. Hendey, author of “A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms”

“Ellen Gable is a masterful storyteller.Stealing Jenny is a smoothly written, chilling tale of gripping suspense. There are terrifying moments and heart-wrenching moments. Catholic faith and hope are tested. Above all, the sacredness and privilege of precious new life is made indisputably evident I never wanted it to end!” Therese Heckenkamp, author, Frozen Footprints and Past Suspicion

“Stealing Jenny will keep you on the edge of your seat and probably destroy your sleep pattern as you stay up to find out what happens. But beyond being a great suspense, it’s also an excellent example of morals in action and family life redeemed. As a fan of Ellen Gable’s work already, I’m now officially getting a t-shirt!” Sarah Reinhard, blogger, author

2. Working Mother – FQP Short Fiction Mentioned in Book Talk
A few days ago, Working Mother by Erin McCole Cupp, was mentioned in Sarah Reinhard’s “Book Talk” over at Catholic Mom. Click here to read!

3. Cover Photo for Family Foundations
I was interviewed recently for Family Foundations magazine and they asked me to be their cover model for the September/October issue!

4. Stealing Jenny Audiobook
I’m working on reading my suspense novel, Stealing Jenny, so that it can be available as an audiobook. Reading one’s novel is not nearly as easy as I thought it would be. After all, acting is involved. I can read clearly, so that’s one part of the process I don’t have to worry too much about. Reading with emotion, without over-acting, is a talent in itself. Thankfully, my husband’s a drama teacher and is assisting me in the process.

5. A Subtle Grace – Review
Special thanks to Ron G. for this wonderful review of A Subtle Grace! Ellen Gable moves us into 19th century Philadelphia with ease, painting for us a vivid scene and inhabiting this world with engaging characters. Then, she utilizes spot-on dialogue with beautiful prose to anchor us. The author is not afraid to show us her Catholic world view, and she doesn’t hesitate to examine difficult topics, including rape and class prejudice….Not the usual historical romance, the author analyzes the difference between love and lust in a way that remains faithful to the period setting, but offers ageless insight. She takes us on a roller coaster with climbs to joyous heights followed by terrifying plummets into danger. In the end, I’m better for having gone on the ride with Ellen Gable and I look forward to future journeys.

6. Pray, Fast and Raise Awareness of the Plight of Iraqi Christians
It’s important that Christians all over the world pray and fast for an end to the sufferings and brutal murders of our Iraqi and all Middle Eastern Christian brothers and sisters. More importantly, we need to be vocal about their plight, to let them know they are not alone and they are not forgotten. In this regard, there has been an obvious silence from the secular mainstream leaders and media. Cardinal Wuerl talks about this silence and every Christian’s responsibility to speak out on the subject in this moving sermon:

7. Stand with Iraqi Christians Rally in Ottawa
If you live within driving distance of the Ottawa Valley, please consider attending a rally planned for tomorrow on Parliament Hill. It’s called the Stand with Iraqi Christians Rally and you can find out details at their website. This link also has a petition you can sign to “raise awareness of and support for Iraqi Christians and other religious minorities experiencing persecution.”

I was recently interviewed (along with several other Catholics) for the September/October issue of Family Foundations magazine on the topic of the “New Evangelization.” Imagine my surprise when the editors asked if they could send a professional photographer to take photos of me for the article and cover! The photograph to the right was taken on a train at the station in Ottawa. Other photos for the article were taken at Madonna House in Combermere. Special thanks to Tim Baklinski of Two Trees Photography!

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I am an author, editor, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer, Theology of the Body teacher and Marriage Preparation Instructor. However, the roles I love the most are being wife to my husband of 36 years, James, and mother to our five adult sons, ages 19-31.

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